Putting elegance in unexpected spaces

NEW YORK -- There are thousands of square feet of displays that look like they were hatched from the minds of Precious Moments figurines at the New York International Gift Fair . Artificial flowers bloom brightly in shades not found in nature and little cross- stitch pillows offer Stepford sentiments such as "Mommy's Little Angel." The prime offenders of this kitsch are usually found in pet accessories and children's goods. But earlier this week at the gift fair, there were signs that even those categories are being rescued from the cult of cute.

"I got two cats," explains Danish designer Lene Nendel . "But there were no cat beds that I was comfortable putting in my space."

Nendel's decor of choice is sleek Danish modern, so she began crafting her own cat beds under the name Pet Project . She also created variations of a cat and dog cave, a private sleeping box for small animals. One cave looks like it was snatched from the set of "2001: A Space Odyssey." The other, a rectangular walnut box, is so beautiful and simple it will make you jealous that your cat gets to sleep in such a stylish domicile.

Not far from Nendel's booth, Everyday Studio was displaying water and food dishes for pets that could have come from Bob Mackie's flat. The bowls are raised on Lucite stands that are either clear or tinted orange or pink. Not only can dogs avoid repeated back strain by bending all the way to the floor, they can look good while doing it.

Dwell , a New York-based textiles shop that sells sheets, pillows, and duvets in modern prints, used the gift fair to launch a new line of kids' bedding. The company introduced baby bedding five years ago, and parents have been asking for children's bedding as well. The new bedding has graphic elements such as the alphabet, or pears and leaves, but there is nothing childish about the design. It's sophisticated, but still playful.

"It's forward-looking, but not too cutesy," says Dwell sales manager Molly Peterson . "Our customers generally are looking to incorporate good design everywhere in their home, not just the living room."

Los Angeles-based Pixel Organics emphasizes tree-hugging qualities such as organic, domestic cotton and local manufacturing, but the company was showing off multiple, ultra-hip designs such as its "Lions, Tigers, and Kittens toddler set and a Steve McQueen-ready sheet called Supercharged Organic with '70 s race cars.

"There's no rule that says that design can't appeal to both kids and adults with good taste," says Pixel's Chris Svensrud .